Sizzling Spanish Paella Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta in One Pan

Spaniards have perfected the art of paella, creating a vibrant authentic paella recipe that sings with traditional flavors.

Golden saffron-infused rice dances with succulent seafood and tender meats.

Each grain tells a story of Mediterranean coastal kitchens.

The dish bursts with colorful bell peppers, plump shrimp, and aromatic spices.

Regional techniques passed through generations make this recipe truly special.

Families gather around steaming skillets, sharing laughter and memories.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this culinary masterpiece.

Tools That Make Paella Recipe Simple

• Paella Pan or Wide Skillet: Essential for creating the perfect paella with crispy bottom layer.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice chicken, sausage, and vegetables precisely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Foil or Lid: Covers pan during final cooking stage to steam shrimp.
• Serving Platter: Beautifully presents the finished paella.

How To Craft A Tasty Paella Recipe

• Sizzle the Base

Heat olive oil in a large paella pan, creating a golden cooking surface for maximum flavor development.

• Brown the Proteins

Cook chicken until nicely caramelized, then set aside. Next, brown the sausage and develop a rich, deep color.

• Build Aromatic Layers

Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious essences into the pan.

• Toast the Rice

Introduce rice to the pan, allowing it to lightly toast and absorb the savory pan flavors. Sprinkle in saffron, paprika, salt, and pepper for depth.

• Create the Liquid Foundation

Pour warm chicken broth and tomatoes into the pan. Gently return chicken pieces to the mixture without stirring extensively.

• Simmer and Develop

Reduce heat and let the paella gently cook, allowing rice to absorb liquid and develop a perfect texture without constant manipulation.

• Finish with Seafood

Delicately place shrimp and peas on top of the rice. Cover and cook until shrimp turn pink and seafood is perfectly tender.

• Rest and Garnish

Remove from heat, allowing flavors to meld. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve alongside bright lemon wedges for a final flourish.

Tips To Elevate Your Paella Recipe

• Saffron Splash Secrets: Use high-quality Spanish saffron for authentic rich flavor and golden color.
• Rice Texture Triumph
• Dietary Flexibility: Transform this recipe into a vegetarian version by replacing meats with firm tofu, roasted vegetables like artichokes, and vegetable broth.
• Seafood Swap Station: Easily substitute shrimp with mussels, calamari, or a mixed seafood medley for different protein variations that maintain the classic Spanish coastal spirit.
• Quick Meal Makeover: Prepare ingredients in advance and store separately to create a speedy weeknight dinner option that still feels gourmet and impressive.

Serve Paella Recipe With A Splash Of Style

• Spanish Fiesta Setup: Arrange the paella in a large, colorful ceramic dish at the center of the table for a dramatic presentation that screams authentic Mediterranean dining.
• Tapas Companion: Serve small plates of olives, manchego cheese, and crusty bread alongside the paella to create a complete Spanish-inspired meal that enhances the dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp Spanish albariño or a light rioja to complement the rich, seafood and saffron flavors of the paella, elevating the entire culinary journey.
• Fresh Finish: Provide extra lemon wedges and sprinkle additional fresh parsley at the table, allowing guests to customize their individual portions with bright, zesty touches.

How To Store Paella Recipe Just Right

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its delicious flavors and texture.
• Quick Reheat Hack: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth over the paella before microwaving to prevent rice from drying out and restore moisture.
• Freezing Wisdom: Separate seafood before freezing to prevent texture changes. Store paella in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, ensuring best quality when thawed slowly in the refrigerator.
• Portion Power: Divide paella into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, saving time and reducing food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

Must-Haves For Flavorful Paella Recipe

• Chicken: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor base for the paella.
• Sausage: Adds smoky, spicy depth and traditional Spanish culinary character.
• Shrimp: Brings delicate seafood texture and sweet ocean taste.

• Onion: Creates foundational savory base with sweet undertones.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces bright color and fresh vegetable crunch.
• Garlic: Delivers powerful aromatic essence and earthy complexity.
• Peas: Contributes bright green color and subtle sweet burst.
• Parsley: Offers fresh herbal finish and vibrant garnish.

• Rice: Central ingredient that absorbs all rich paella flavors.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium and authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers deep, rich liquid for rice absorption.
• Saffron: Brings signature golden color and distinctive exotic flavor.
• Paprika: Adds warm, smoky Spanish seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance overall dish seasonings.
• Tomatoes: Introduce slight acidic brightness and moisture.
• Lemon Wedges: Offer fresh citrus accent for serving.

Authentic Paella Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Saffron-infused Spanish paella brings Valencia’s coastal charm to your kitchen, blending rice, seafood, and aromatic spices. Culinary adventurers will savor this authentic dish that transports palates to Mediterranean shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• ½ lb (0.23 kg) Spanish chorizo or smoked sausage, sliced
• ½ lb (0.23 kg) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ½ cups arborio rice or bomba rice
• 4 cups (0.95 L) chicken broth (warm)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ¼ tsp saffron threads (steeped in 2 tbsps warm water)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• fresh parsley, for garnish
• lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Sear and Infuse: Heat olive oil in a paella pan, brown chicken pieces until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, caramelize sausage and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
2. Build the Base: Toast rice in the vegetable mixture, awakening its nutty essence. Enhance with saffron water, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour warm chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pan. Reintroduce seared chicken, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex profile.
4. Simmer and Develop: Reduce heat, letting rice absorb liquid without stirring. Develop the coveted socarrat (crispy bottom) during 15-20 minutes of uncovered cooking.
5. Seafood Finale: Layer shrimp and sweet peas across the surface. Cover briefly to steam seafood, ensuring shrimp turn pink and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
6. Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat, letting paella settle and flavors harmonize. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges, inviting a bright citrus accent to this Spanish culinary treasure.

Notes

• Choose the Right Pan: Use a wide, shallow paella pan or large skillet to ensure even cooking and develop that signature crispy bottom layer called “socarrat”.
• Saffron Selection Matters: Invest in high-quality saffron threads for authentic flavor; steep them in warm water to release maximum color and aromatic essence.
• Control Rice Moisture: Avoid stirring rice during cooking to prevent releasing starches and maintain the distinct grain texture typical of traditional paella.
• Seafood Timing is Crucial: Add shrimp towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain tender and succulent without becoming rubbery.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 74 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg